HARRISBURG, Sept. 12 – State grants totaling $376,741 will bolster Erie programs aimed at reducing gun violence and supporting victims of domestic violence and abuse, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today. The funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – includes three grants totaling nearly $127,000 under the Victims of Crime Act and one grant of nearly $250,000 under the 2019/20 Gun Violence Reduction Initiative. “In addition to helping victims of domestic violence and abuse rebuild their lives, this funding will benefit our entire community by reducing gun violence and the shadow of fear it casts,” Bizzarro said. “The Gun Violence Reduction Initiative being funded is based on a deterrence model that has proven successful by targeting high-risk individuals and groups through direct communication, enforcement and outreach. I’m hopeful that we’ll see meaningful results in Erie.” Harkins added that the funding will also make a difference for those victimized by domestic violence or abuse. “More than anything, innocent residents whose lives have been shattered by domestic violence or abuse need to feel safe and free from the ongoing threat of violence,” Harkins said. “The PCCD funding will go toward programs that help victims free themselves from the specter of ongoing violence or abuse by obtaining protective Read more

ERIE, Aug. 30 – Fifty-two students in the Erie City School District will benefit from $18,605 in funding serving homeless children and displaced youth. The money comes from a federally funded program created to assist local educational agencies serving homeless children and youth displaced by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, or the 2017 California wildfires. “This funding is great news for students in our district whose families are facing extremely difficult circumstances that have disrupted their lives,” Harkins said. “As legislators, we want to do everything in our power to make sure all kids in Erie city schools have an equal chance to learn.” Merski agreed, noting, “As a former teacher, I’ve seen how difficult it can be for kids to learn and achieve when they’re facing homelessness or poverty. This funding should bring a measure of hope and peace of mind to these students that will reduce their stress and uncertainty and allow them to get back to the business of learning and thriving.” Grants were awarded to 17 school districts throughout Pennsylvania with displaced students ranging from 28 to 495 children. Read more

ERIE, Aug. 29 – A state grant of $168,750 will enable Erie International Airport to purchase additional vehicles and equipment needed for operations and maintenance, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The legislators noted the funding – which follows last year’s grant of $1.7 million for major renovations to the terminal building – is an important investment for the entire area. “Our airport has played – and continues to play – such an important role in our local economy, dating back to its roots early last century, when it became one of the nation’s first airports to be licensed for commercial operations,” Harkins said. “Today, it’s a thriving hub, supporting businesses, sustaining thousands of jobs, and connecting travelers with the rest of the state and the world. Investments that keep it running smoothly benefit the entire region.” Merski agreed, saying, “I’m delighted Erie International is receiving this grant, which will bolster efficient operations and enable better maintenance to the field’s turfed and paved areas. Travelers to and from our region deserve the safest, smoothest experience possible, and this funding will provide the resources needed to ensure that happens.” The funding is part of a package of grants to 29 airports statewide totaling $13.7 million and funded through the state Transportation Department's Read more

ERIE, Aug. 26 – With some area schools starting today and others scheduled for just after Labor Day, state Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, is reminding residents that this is the last week of his “Back- to-School Supplies Drive” to help families in need. “We’ve had an excellent response to our school supply drive so far, which is a testament to our community’s wonderful, caring spirit,” Merski said. “In addition to saying a hearty thanks for what we’ve collected so far, I want to remind everyone that the drive ends this Friday, Aug. 30, and that we can still use more supplies. “Although many families try to budget for back-to-school shopping, buying all the necessary supplies can put a dent in tight budgets – especially for families with multiple kids in school. Donating to our drive is a great way to help make sure that all kids in our community start the school year off feeling prepared and confident in the knowledge that they have the tools they need to succeed.” Merski said residents can donate new school supplies to one of these three locations between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.: Merski’s district office, 3901 Liberty St.; his Summit Township satellite office (open Tuesdays only), 1230 Townhall Road W.; or the Belle Valley VFD Station 36, 1514 Norcross Road. Merski said the following items are especially helpful: Markers, including highlighters, color markers, dry-erase markers and Read more

ERIE, Aug. 19 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, held a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing today at Mercyhurst University to discuss ways Pennsylvania can bolster its technology workforce. “It’s clear that the tech industry is only continuing to grow, fueled by businesses’ demand for state-of-the-art information technology and cybersecurity services,” Merski said. “Cities like Erie are quickly becoming home to startup tech companies that bring jobs and help stimulate the economy.” Joining Merski were legislators from across the state, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster. Sturla added: “Companies need highly skilled workers to compete, and bridging the skills gap is especially challenging in the tech field, which is constantly evolving.Today’s hearing on how we can bolster our tech workforce to keep pace with demand was a great first step.” Testifiers included Dr. Leanne Roberts, provost and vice president for academic affairs, Mercyhurst University; Steven Mauro, vice president of academic administration, Gannon University; and Karl Sanchak, president and CEO, Erie Innovation District. The hearing was one in a series being held across the state on House Democrats’ Plan4PA, focused on putting people first by growing good jobs, providing health care access, creating quality schools and providing training for jobs in a fair economy. More information about the plan is Read more

ERIE, Aug. 6 – A $75,000 state grant will help Gannon University develop cutting-edge residency programs that will provide advanced training to teachers, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today. The funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Education is one of 11 grants awarded to universities statewide to support teacher and principal residency programs. The goal is to bolster and diversify the state’s educator workforce to better serve high-need areas. “Teacher training is a dynamic area, and like many other professionals, teachers in training benefit greatly from real-world experience,” Merski said. “My own training as a teacher began with the hands-on cadet teacher program, which builds in-classroom experiences from day one alongside teacher education courses.” Harkins added, “Historically, so many of our communities have faced problems attracting and retaining good teachers. The funding announced today will allow Gannon University to develop the best possible clinical residency programs to turn out educators who are well-equipped to serve in our most high-need areas.” Clinical residency programs must be developed in partnership with at least one high-need local education agency that serves high rates of historically underserved students or demonstrates chronic, multiple teacher shortages in key certification areas, including special education and English as a second language. The Read more

ERIE, Aug. 2 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, hosted a street dedication ceremony today in Erie to honor the late 2 nd District representative Florindo “Flo” Fabrizio. During the event, Poplar Street between West 26 th and West 29 th streets was renamed “Rep. Florindo ‘Flo’ Fabrizio Way.” “Today was an emotional day for many of us,” Merski said. “Flo embodied the best in a leader: humility, courtesy, intelligence and an ever-present desire to do everything in his power to help the people he represented. It’s no surprise he was so popular. A street bearing his name is the perfect reminder of how hard he worked to fulfill his civic duties for the people of Erie. “Following Flo here in the 2 nd Legislative District is no small task. I have big shoes to fill, but fortunately I also have the legacy of a great leader to inspire me.” State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, added, “We were grateful to then-Councilman Merski for taking the lead in having Poplar Street named in remembrance of “Uncle Flo.” It’s a daily reminder that his spirit lives on in our community.” The ceremony featured remarks by Merski, Erie Mayor Joseph Schember, and Fabrizio’s stepson, Matthew Sanfilippo; the dedication by Fabrizio’s wife, Vicki; and presentation of the sign by Merski. Read more

ERIE, Aug. 1 – State Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced today that $10.5 million in grants have been awarded under the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to fund projects around the region. The legislators noted that the grants will provide benefits for generations to come. “I’ve always been a proponent of regional representation and understand the value of community assets that go beyond legislative district boundaries,” Bizzarro said. “I am proud to have worked diligently with my colleagues, House leadership, administrative leadership and community innovators to secure this funding for our community. “These grant benefits will extend far beyond the individual campus, facility or neighborhood project receiving the investment – they will enhance learning, living, shopping and economic opportunities for residents and generations to come in each of our legislative districts.” “These grants are incredible news for Erie,” Harkins said. “I’m especially pleased that we were successful in our efforts to help secure $2 million in funding for the project to expand Saint Vincent. My wife and I – and all three of our children – were born there, and we have many friends who work there. It is truly a regional investment.” Merski agreed, saying, “These state investments in the city of Erie are critical to accelerating our transformation. From Read more

ERIE, Aug. 1 – State Rep. Bob Merski, D-Erie, wants to make sure every Erie student is prepared for school, and to help accomplish that, he is kicking off a “Back to School Supplies Drive” today. Merski is encouraging residents to donate new school supplies to one of his three offices. “Back-to-school can be an expensive time for parents – particularly when they have multiple kids in school,” said Merski, a former teacher. “I’m encouraging any residents who are able to help to consider buying a few extra supplies while they’re shopping. Small actions like that can make a big difference to families needing help.” Merski said those wishing to donate can bring new school supplies to one of these three locations between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.: Merski’s district office, located at 3901 Liberty St.; his Summit Township satellite office (open Tuesdays only) located at 1230 Townhall Road W. or the Belle Valley VFD Station 36, located at 1514 Norcross Road. Merski said the following items are especially helpful: Markers, including highlighters, color markers, dry-erase markers and permanent markers. Pencils, erasers (pencil top and large pink erasers), colored pencils, pencil boxes and pens. Crayons, student scissors and sticky notes. Backpacks, three-ring binders, folders and lined paper. Tissues and hand sanitizer (large classroom bottle size). In addition, new shirts in solid colors with Read more

HARRISBURG, July 29 – Grant funding of $1 million is available from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to help small businesses and farms “grow green” and become more energy efficient while reducing operating costs, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced. The grants – which will be awarded through the DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grant program – will fund projects to promote energy efficiency, pollution prevention and natural resource protection. “I urge local small businesses to take advantage of this grant opportunity, which is a terrific way for them to make improvements that boost efficiency and cut operating expenses, making them more competitive while at the same time helping to protect the environment,” Merski said. Harkins agreed, noting, “The funding is especially valuable because it allows small business owners to make equipment-related improvements such as HVAC and boiler upgrades, installation of solar-powered or high-efficiency LED lighting, improved recycling systems and acquisition of auxiliary power units that can minimize truck engine idling time.” Funding is also available for projects that protect natural resources through construction of riparian buffers, streambank fencing to keep livestock from streams, and stormwater systems to reduce sediment in waterways. Small business owners with 100 or fewer full-time employees are eligible, and the Read more

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